Roach: Hyperparathyroidism treatments?

Dear Dr. Roach: I have been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. I have not seen this discussed before. My doctor suggests surgery. Is there any other treatment, and what kind of surgeon is recommended? Can it be done in our small local hospital by a local surgeon? -- P.W.

Dr. Roach: Hyperparathyroidism is most often caused by overactivity of one of the four parathyroid glands (so called because they sit around the thyroid gland in the neck). Parathyroid hormone is essential for calcium metabolism and for bone health. Symptoms of excess parathyroid hormone include kidney stones, abdominal pain and depression. In severe cases, bone pain and weakness can occur, but this is rare now, since most people are diagnosed because of high calcium levels found during routine blood testing.

Treatment can be accomplished with surgery or medications. Anyone with symptoms is a candidate for surgery. For people with no symptoms, those who are younger than 50, with very high calcium levels, loss of kidney function or severe bone loss probably should have surgery.

The surgery can damage one of the nerves to the vocal cords, even in the best hands. For that reason, I recommend getting the most experienced surgeon around.

Dear Dr. Roach: Can you suggest an herb or medication for treating tinnitus? -- J.G.

Dr. Roach: Tinnitus is the sensation of sound when there isn't any. For many people, it's a high-pitched whine, but it may sound different to different people.

No medication or herb has been proven to be helpful for tinnitus. In my experience, sound therapy - the use of white noise - is an effective treatment. The American Tinnitus Association has a great website (www.ata.org) with information and support groups.

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Roach: Hyperparathyroidism treatments?

Dear Dr. Roach: I have been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. I have not seen this discussed before. My doctor suggests surgery. Is there any other treatment, and what kind of surgeon is